Despite a great diversity in the US wine market, dozens of wine producers – of all sizes – have continued to complain about what they perceive to be limited market access, which they blame on the distribution tier.

In general, state statute limits the number of liquor and wine and beer licenses for each city and town based on its population. The Legislature routinely makes exceptions to that law, granting additional licenses to municipalities on an individual basis through a local petition.

“It appears that with growing frequency the exceptions are overtaking the rule,” Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr of Gloucester told his colleagues on the floor. He said, “It seems that there is rarely a week that passes that we do not either in formal or informal session grant a municipality an additional liquor license, and usually Mr. President it is more than one.”

The majority of the Council cited proximity to other retail sellers of alcohol, a lack of support in the community, concern over the safety of selling liquor in a large store, and because the store is not a new business coming into town.

There are a myriad (read: hot mess) of certifications in wine. In an attempt to make sense of sustainability in wine, here is a guide to some of the most commonly used wine certifications and what they mean.

Delicato Family Vineyards is one of the fastest growing wine companies in the world, celebrating 90+ years of California winemaking and grape growing heritage. Family-owned and operated since the company’s founding in 1924, three generations of Indelicato family have fostered the winery’s commitment to innovation, quality and environmental stewardship – cornerstones that have harnessed the family’s long-term focus and solidified the winery as an internationally recognized leader in the industry.

Join Betsy Barry of Franklin Yoga & Wellness and Mark Lenzi of Franklin Liquors for a sensory exploration of wine through the energy systems of the body.

This unique workshop combines a 6o-minute yoga class with a carefully sequenced wine pairing designed to open and balance the major energy centers, known as “chakras.” With a heightened sense of awareness, we will explore each chakra through physical observation of each shared wine, discovering taste, flavor and feel in a new way.

No prior knowledge of yoga or wine is required. Plan to bring an open mind and leave feeling balanced and satisfied with a new appreciation of both wine and self.

Enjoy an afternoon Winery Tour and Tasting at this beautiful farm winery. Come and learn more about how this local, family-run farm grows their own berries and uses them to make delicious fruit wines. See where the fruit is grown, tour the winemaking facility and sample their popular wines.

We’re an independent wine education and event company, providing unique classes, wine tasting events and personalized consulting. As a professional with a dozen years in the wine business, my favorite part of the job was helping people just like you pick out a great bottle. I’m excited to help you learn about wine in a relaxed environment where you can ask any question, no matter how small or basic.